Two Thirds Say Gambling Advertising is 'all Over ´, Charity Finds
Almost 2 thirds of individuals state that betting advertising is "everywhere" as a charity required a nationwide conversation to assist those suffering harm.
GambleAware prompted people to "open up" after a survey recommended 67% of the general public believe there is still stigma around betting harms, and warned that anyone might be at risk - consisting of kids.
It unveiled an installation revealed at Westfield London including 85,000 poker chips - one for each kid aged 11-17 in Britain currently experiencing betting damage.
A study for the charity found that 31% of people recalled seeing their very first gambling advert before the age of 17, and 62% stating that gambling marketing is "all over".
It is very important that those experiencing gambling harm understand that support is available without judgment
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide
The charity, alongside partners Nationwide, the Football Supporters' Association, the National Gambling Support Network and 20 more nationwide organisations, is requiring a national discussion to lower the preconception around betting harm that is holding people back from seeking help.
Research from the charity has actually discovered that more than a quarter (28%) of those who experience problems with betting hide their activities from their household and good friends, and a quarter (24%) who are experiencing the most severe damage do not seek assistance due to feelings of embarassment or humiliation.
The campaign looks for to tackle the preconception related to harmful gaming (Dominic Lipinski/PA)
Zoe Osmond, chief executive of GambleAware, stated: "Now is the time to have a nationwide discussion about betting damage. Only by motivating an open discussion can we empower people to look for the support they need without judgment.
"Our everyday lives are flooded with betting marketing and advertising, normalising what is a dangerous activity which can have a big negative effect on people's lives, even children. This setup representing the 85,000 children impacted objectives to shine a light on this pressing problem and motivate meaningful discussion."
GambleAware is calling for more stringent limitations on gambling marketing, saying the addicting nature of gaming items and advertising combined with the universality of betting marketing suggested anybody could be at risk of damage.
Gambling damage stigma can avoid individuals from opening about gaming and seeking the support they need.
As Maia states, you do not need to manage betting damages on your own. It can trigger more pressure on yourself and your enjoyed ones.
Let's open up about betting. pic.twitter.com/cctwPpRBXJ
- GambleAware (@gambleawaregb) April 11, 2025
Kathryn Townsend, Nationwide's head of customer vulnerability, said: "While gambling can be a pleasurable activity for numerous, excessive or issue gaming can have unfavorable effects.
"It is very important that those experiencing betting harm understand that assistance is readily available without judgment, which is why we support GambleAware's ongoing Stigma prevention campaign.
"We have actually worked difficult to much better equip our coworkers to support clients and made a mindful decision to offer a gambling block with a 72-hour cooling off period to assist people make choices that are ideal for them.
"However, higher partnership among market, government and charities is necessary to truly take on financial harm caused by excessive or problem gambling."
According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular kinds of wagering by kids are legal game games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between good friends or family, and playing cards for cash - not with BGC members
Betting and Gaming Council
Minister for betting Baroness Twycross said: "The stigma surrounding hazardous betting can prevent those in need from looking for essential assistance, so we invite this important project from GambleAware.
"We have actually now presented a statutory levy on gambling profits which will raise around ₤ 100 million each year to fund research, prevention and treatment, more encouraging the general public discussion around gambling harm.
"While the majority of people bet safely, we acknowledge the effect hazardous betting can have. That is why we are more enhancing securities for those at threat, executing a stake limit on online slots and more stringent guidelines on gambling marketing."
A Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) spokesperson stated: "BGC members take a no tolerance technique to wagering by children.
"According to a 2024 Gambling Commission report, the most popular forms of betting by kids are legal game video games like penny-pusher and claw-grab makers, bets in between pals or household, and for cash - not with BGC members.
"Advertising should adhere to strict standards and safer gaming messaging, which promotes more secure gaming tools and signposts help to those worried about their wagering, is routinely and prominently displayed.
"The 2022 Young People and Gambling Survey discovered that the National Lottery was the most identified gambling brand name amongst 11 to 16-year-olds."
"BGC members and certified operators have voluntarily contributed over ₤ 170m over the last 4 years to take on problem gaming and gaming associated harm, via a voluntary levy system, including ₤ 50m in 2024, funding an independent network of charities currently caring for 85 percent of all problem bettors receiving treatment in Britain.
"This money is designated independently of market, the bulk of which is managed by the independent charity GambleAware."
GambleAware is urging anyone who is concerned about how betting makes them feel to search its website for recommendations, tools and assistance.
Anyone stressed about their gambling or somebody else's can call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 24/7 for totally free, personal advice, tools, and support.
YouGov surveyed 3,058 adults and 750 individuals who gamble between February 13 and 26.